The hosting Bhoys dominated the derby from the outset, although they failed to call visiting goalkeeper Allan McGregor into any telling action during the opening exchanges.

However, McGregor was unable to prevent Celtic from claiming a 17th-minute lead. Kris Commons sent in a corner which was met by an unmarked Charlie Mulgrew, who sent a downward header beyond the reach of the Scottish goalkeeper.

Ross McCabe and Steven Whittaker had chances to draw Rangers level moments later, but neither could keep their efforts from distance on target.

Their failure to score was punished in the 30th minute by Commons. The winger swapped passes with striker Gary Hooper, before advancing into the area and lifting the ball over McGregor and into the net.

Neil Lennon's Celtic continued to exert pressure on their neighbours after the restart as they went about making the outcome safe.

The third goal eventually arrived in the 54th minute when leading goalscorer Hooper added his 24th strike of the season by firing into the roof of McGregor's net from the edge of the area.

Sone Aluko went close to bringing Rangers back into the match, but his 25-yard shot was parried to safety by Fraser Forster in the 81st minute.

Today's results means that the rivals have won two derby matches apiece this season.